Rate control method and apparatus for data packet transmission

ABSTRACT

Base stations control the transmission rate that is used by UE (user equipment) to forward them information. A UE periodically forwards a rate request to a base station if the UE needs to have its data transmission rate to the base station increased or decreased, and the base station responds with a rate command. An error can occur in the transmission of the rate command, such that a rate R nb  transmitted by the base station and detected by the UE as R ue  may not match. Various schemes are proposed for reducing and correcting such transmission errors. A first scheme involves periodically resetting the transmission rate of the base station and UE with a reference rate. Second to fourth schemes involve periodically comparing the transmission rates of the base station and UE, and replacing the rate of the UE if they differ. A fifth scheme involves a filtering of the feedback command in order to reduce the impact of error propagation. A sixth scheme, which may be used separately or in conjunction with any of the foregoing schemes, involves adjusting a power offset with a repetition factor. All of the schemes are modified during a soft handover of the UE from the base station to a new base station.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to data packet transmission rates, andmore particularly, to a closed-loop rate control method and apparatusfor data packet transmissions from a UE (user equipment) such as amobile phone to a base station.

BACKGROUND ART

In cellular wireless systems, Wideband Code-Division Multiple-Access(W-CDMA, or the European equivalent UMTS (Universal MobileTelecommunications System)) is the radio-access technology availableworldwide providing high-speed wireless data packet service, i.e.wireless internet access and multimedia service, as well as conventionalvoice services.

To enable more-efficient downlink data packet transmission, aclosed-loop based rate control called High-Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA) was adopted as the next UMTS release. HSDPA is based on aclosed-loop rate-control scheme in which the downlink transmission datarate is changed as rapidly as channel variation by controllingrate-matching and modulation parameters.

Similar to HSDPA, a closed-loop-based rate control can be used foruplink data transmission so that UE can change the uplink transmissionrate to compensate for a short-term channel condition. As illustrated inFIG. 1, uplink transmission rate of an individual user's UE iscontrolled by a base station (node B) by exchanging feedback signals inboth uplink (rate request) and downlink (rate control).

User equipment (UE) may request a higher data rate to node B if thecurrent maximum data transmission rate R^(ue) (UE threshold) cannot meeta required Quality of Service (QoS) of data packets in its internalbuffer. Otherwise, the UE can request to keep or reduce R^(ue) in orderto allow other UEs in a same cell to transmit at a higher data rate.

Having requests from all UEs in the cell, node B controls the datatransmission rate R^(nb) of each individual UE based on additionalinternal information such as current uplink noise level. Initially,R^(nb′) and R^(ue′), the respective starting transmission rates of nodeB and the UE (mobile phone in the cell of node B), are set to be equalto each other. Subsequently, node B decides on a new transmission rateR^(nb), i.e. (R^(nb′)+d^(nb)), to be used by the mobile phone, whered^(nb) is a differentially-encoded control packet for changing thetransmission rate of the mobile phone, and node B transmits d^(nb) tothe mobile phone. Assuming that the differentially-encoded controlpacket that the mobile phone detects in designated d^(ue), then d^(ue)is equal to d^(nb) only if the transmission from node B to the UE hasproceeded without error; if an error occurs during the transmission,then d^(ue) will not equal d^(nb).

There are two sources of feedback errors: (1) an uplink error in UE raterequest, and (2) a downlink feedback error in the rate control commandof node B. Both types of errors are inevitable because of factors suchas limitations in transmission power, severe fading in wirelesschannels, etc.

Due to the fact that only node B has the authority to control themaximum data rate of the mobile phone, the uplink error is less of aproblem than the downlink error. An uplink error incurs a slowadaptation of uplink rate control, while the latter breaks down thesynchronization between R^(nb) and R^(ue). Loss of such synchronizationcauses the mobile phone, i.e. the UE, to transmit the data packet withexcessively-high or excessively-low transmission power. With the former,there is a significant loss of manageability of uplink noise, while withthe latter, the UE suffers low data throughput. These trade-offs in datatransmission rates for W-CDMA are illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate the foregoing comments. FIG. 3 is ageneral schematic illustration of the closed-loop communication betweennode B and a UE, i.e. a base station and a mobile phone, respectively.The UE cannot transmit at a higher data rate than the maximum rate whichis set by node B when the radio link between the two is established. Ifthe UE requires for transmission a higher data rate than the establishedmaximum data rate, the UE can request the higher data rate by sending arequest in an uplink, i.e. the lower part of FIG. 3. If the UE does notrequire the higher data rate, for instance due to small packet queuesize, it can send a request to node B to reduce the maximum transmissionrate. Node B manages multiple UEs to share the same radio resourcesefficiently by controlling the maximum data rates for all users in nodeB's cell. Node B can accept or reject any UE request for datatransmission rate increase, dependent on overall cell level conditions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a general timing diagram of a closed-loop-based ratecontrol scheme between node B and a UE. In frame ‘k’, node B recognizesthat the rate request on the uplink feedback channel from UE of whichthe current maximum rate is R_(k) ^(ue), and after elapse of node Bprocessing time Tbp, node B transmits an increased maximum datatransmission rate (denoted by ‘U’ for UP) to the UE on the downlinkfeedback channel. After elapse of UE processing time Tbp, the UEincreases its maximum data transmission rate to the new higher valueallowed by node B. Then the process repeats in frame k+1, frame k+2,etc. In order to reduce the rate update delay (e.g. Td<10 ms), theduration of the UE request and the node B control command are assumed tobe small (e.g. 2 ms) and to be located near the beginning or end of thefeedback channel frame (e.g. slots 1 to 3 or slots 12 to 14,respectively). In FIG. 4, the UE has received the U (UP), D (DOWN) and K(KEEP, i.e. stay the same) data-transmission-rate commands without anyerror in downlink transmission.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an error occurring in theclosed-loop-based transmission. Such error results in a “random walk.”The third rate command from node B, i.e. K (keep maximum datatransmission rate the same), has been received at the UE as U (increasethe maximum data transmission rate). All subsequent frames ofcommunication between node B and the UE will have a mutual offset intheir data transmission rates, i.e. random walking starts, even if nofurther error occurs between what node B transmits and what the UEconsiders it to be. Assuming even a low 1% error rate, the data ratecontrol scheme breaks down after a few seconds of radio link connectionsdue to random walking of the maximum data transmission rate between nodeB and the UE. An uplink (UL) error (from the UE to node B), may alsoresult, but unlike the downlink (DL) error (from node B to the UE), theuplink error will only cause a delay and will not cause an error in theuplink data rate.

A number of matters must be considered in approaching a solution to theforegoing problem. Firstly, a solution that only reduces the probabilityof random walking is not suitable in the case of lengthy radiocommunications. Secondly, any solution should be radio wave spectrumefficient in order to guarantee more radio resources are allocated todata transmission per se rather than control of data transmission rate.Thirdly, a solution should avoid introducing a new physical channelwhich will impact on backward compatibility and design of new hardware,among other factors. Fourthly, it is desirable that there be no, or onlyminor, impact on the system's radio network controller (RNC), whichcontrols essential communication between node B and the UE, since anyinvolvement by the RNC necessitates additional expensive signallingbetween the RNC and node B, and also possibly between the RNC and theUE.

One conventional solution to the foregoing difficulty has involvedexplicit signalling of the maximum UE rate from node B to the UE. Inthis solution, node B explicitly transmits a new maximum datatransmission rate R^(nb) per se with each data packet rather than onlytransmitting a differentially-decoded d^(nb) bit stream representing achange in the rate with each data packet. This solution, which isillustrated in FIG. 6, eliminates random walking. However, the spectralefficiency of this solution is lower than for the differentially-encodedbit stream due to the larger number of signalling bits per rate-controlcommand. Assuming that the whole range of values of the maximum datatransmission rate may assume any of 32 levels, 5 bits are required perrate-control command sent from node B to the UE. Since the 5 informationbits equate to a higher number of encoded bits (e.g. 20 encoded bits),sending those 20 bits with each rate-control command will necessitatethat a new physical channel be added if the control command is to bekept below 2 ms in length. The rate-control round-trip delay willincrease if the encoded rate control bits are spread over a frame of,say, 10 ms. A major difficulty with this solution is that the overheadis much higher than that involved with transmitting only a differentialvalue.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention seeks to reduce the error in signalling a maximumdata transmission rate from a system node to user equipment (UE), whileat the same time not requiring the amount of increased system overheadof the conventional system in attaining that objective.

A first aspect of the subject invention is a method for maintainingclosed-loop control of a data communication rate between a UE and a basestation, the method including the steps of:

initially transmitting to both the base station and the UE, forestablishment of the closed-loop control, transmission rate periodicreset criteria (e.g. a predetermined common reset frequency) and areference data transmission rate; and,

periodically resetting the data transmission rate of the base stationand the data transmission rate of the UE to the reference datatransmission rate.

Preferably, the reference data transmission rate is equal to apredetermined common initial data transmission rate.

Preferably, the steps are performed by a radio network controller (e.g.by issuing instructions) in a system that comprises the controller, thebase station and the UE.

A second general aspect, (which essentially encompasses the secondspecific and third and fourth aspects) provides a method for maintainingclosed-loop control of a data communication rate between a UE and a basestation, the method comprising transmitting both an absolute rate and adifferential rate correction, wherein the absolute rate is transmittedin a first number of communication intervals and the differential ratecorrection is transmitted more frequently in a second, smaller number ofcommunication intervals.

A complementary method to the second general aspect provides a methodfor maintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate betweena UE and a base station, the method comprising receiving differentialrate corrections at first intervals and applying the differential ratecorrections to obtain updated rates and receiving absolute rateinformation less frequently than the differential rate corrections andreplacing the updates rates with the absolute rate when received.

In one embodiment (see the second specific aspect), the absolute rate istransmitted in parallel with the differential rate corrections. Theabsolute rate information may be subdivided into segments (e.g. one ormore bits) and the segments may be transmitted serially over a number ofintervals (e.g. frames).

In another embodiment (see the third aspect), bits of the absolute rateare interleaved with bits of the differential rate corrections.

In another embodiment (see the fourth aspect), the absolute rate istransmitted in response to a request.

The absolute rate may be transmitted by a different means to thedifferential rate, e.g. by using a different protocol layer or by usinga different communication channel.

A second specific aspect of the subject invention provides a method formaintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate between aUE and a base station, the method including, during each period oftransmission of a defined set of data packets to the UE, the steps of:

storing in the base station, at the start of transmission of the definedset, an initial data transmission rate;

encoding in the base station, at the start of transmission of thedefined set, the initial data transmission rate;

transmitting from the base station to the UE, in each data packet of thedefined set, a respective differential correcting rate and a respectivesegment of the encoded initial data transmission rate;

storing in the UE, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rate;

calculating in the UE, for each data packet of the defined set, anupdated data transmission rate, the updated rate for a particular datapacket of the defined set being the differential correcting ratereceived in the particular data packet added to the updated rate fromthe previous data packet, the initial data transmission rate being usedas the initial one of the updated rates;

decoding in the UE, after all segments of the decoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate;

comparing in the UE the decoded initial data transmission rate with theupdated transmission rate; and,

if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,correcting the data transmission rate of the UE by replacing the updatedtransmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to thedecoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate differentialcorrecting rate equal to an aggregate of the differential correctingrates of the defined set of data packets, and if the transmission ratesare equal, using the updated transmission rate.

The second aspect of the subject invention includes a method performedby a base station for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the base station and a UE, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

storing, at the start of transmission of the defined set, an initialdata transmission rate;

encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, the initialdata transmission rate; and,

transmitting to the UE, in each data packet of the defined set, arespective differential correcting rate and a respective segment of theencoded initial data transmission rate.

The second aspect of the subject invention also includes a methodperformed by a UE for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the UE and a base station, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

receiving from the base station, in each data packet of the defined set,a respective differential correcting rate and a respective segment of anencoded initial data transmission rate of the base station;

storing, as each data packet is received, the respective differentialcorrecting rate and the respective segment of the encoded initial datatransmission rates;

calculating, for each data packet of the defined set, an updated datatransmission rate, the updated rate for a particular data packet of thedefined set being the differential correcting rate received in theparticular data packet added to the updated rate from the previous datapacket, the initial data transmission rate being used as the initial oneof the updated rates;

decoding, after all of the segments in the defined set of data packetshave been received, those segments to form a decoded initial datatransmission rate;

comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the updatedtransmission rate; and,

if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,correcting the data transmission rate of the UE by replacing the updatedtransmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to thedecoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate differentialcorrecting rate equal to an aggregate of the differential correctingrates of the defined set of data packets, and if the transmission ratesare equal, using the updated transmission rate.

A third aspect of the subject invention is a method for maintainingclosed-loop control of a data communication rate between a UE and a basestation, the method including, during each period of transmission of adefined set of data packets to the UE, the steps of:

storing in the base station, at the start of transmission of the definedset, the initial data transmission rate;

encoding in the base station, at the start of transmission of thedefined set, the initial data transmission rate;

transmitting, from the base station to the UE in every n^(th) datapacket of the defined set, a respective segment of the encoded initialdata transmission rate, and in the remaining data packets of the definedset a respective differential correcting rate;

storing in the UE, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rate;

calculating in the UE, as each differential correcting rate is received,an updated data transmission rate, the updated rate being the sum of theprevious updated rate and the respective received differentialcorrecting rate, the initial data transmission rate being used as theinitial updated rate;

decoding in the UE, after all segments of the encoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate;

comparing in the UE the decoded initial data transmission rate with theupdated transmission rate; and,

if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,correcting the data transmission rate of the UE by replacing the updatedtransmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to thedecoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate differentialcorrecting rate equal to an aggregate of the differential correctingrates of the defined set of data packets, and if the transmission ratesare equal, using the updated transmission rate.

The third aspect of the subject invention also includes a methodperformed by a base station for maintaining closed-loop control of adata communication rate between the base station and a UE, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

storing, at the start of transmission of the defined set, an initialdata transmission rate;

encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, the initialdata transmission rate; and,

transmitting to the UE, in every n^(th) data packet of the defined set,a respective segment of the encoded initial data transmission rate, andin the remaining data packets of the defined set a respectivedifferential correcting rate.

The third aspect of the subject invention also includes a methodperformed by a UE for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the UE and a base station, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

receiving from the base station, in every n^(th) data packet of thedefined set, a respective segment of the encoded initial datatransmission rate, and in the remaining data packets of the defined seta respective differential correcting rate;

storing, as each data packet is received, the respective differentialcorrecting rate and the respective segment of the encoded initial datatransmission rates;

calculating, for each data packet of the defined set, an updated datatransmission rate, the updated rate for a particular data packet of thedefined set being the differential correcting rate received in theparticular data packet added to the updated rate from the previous datapacket, the initial data transmission rate being used as the initial oneof the updated rates;

decoding, after all segments of the encoded initial data transmissionrate in the defined set of data packets have been received, thosesegments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate;

comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the updatedtransmission rate; and,

if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,correcting the data transmission rate of the UE by replacing the updatedtransmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to thedecoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate differentialcorrecting rate equal to an aggregate of the differential correctingrates of the defined set of data packets, and if the transmission ratesare equal, using the updated transmission rate.

Every n^(th) data packet of the defined set may be every second datapacket of the defined set. Alternatively, every n^(th) data packet ofthe defined set may be every third data packet of the defined set.

Preferably, each segment of the encoded initial data transmission rateis a single data bit.

A fourth aspect of the subject invention is a method for maintainingclosed-loop control of a data communication rate between a UE and a basestation, the method including, during each period of transmission of adefined set of data packets to the UE, the steps of:

transmitting from the base station to the UE, in each one or only someof the defined set of data packets, a differential correcting rate, eachdifferential correcting rate representing a data-transmission-ratedifferential, if any, between the data transmission rate of theparticular data packet and the date transmission rate of the transmitteddata packet that last contained a differential correcting rate;

sensing when a difference occurs between the data transmission rate ofthe base station and the data transmission rate of the UE;

after such sensing, forwarding a request that the data transmission rateof the base station and the data transmission rate of the UE be reset toa common data transmission rate; and,

-   -   transmitting to the base station and/or the UE, explicit        signalling for resetting the data transmission rate of the base        station and/or the data transmission rate of the UE such that        the base station and the UE again have a common data        transmission rate.

The sensing and forwarding steps may be both performed by the basestation or alternatively by the UE, and the transmission of the explicitsignalling is performed by a radio network controller in a system thatincludes the controller, the base station and the UE.

The fourth aspect of the subject invention includes a method performedby a base station for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the base station and a UE, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

transmitting to the UE, in each one or only some of the defined set ofdata packets, a differential correcting rate, each differentialcorrecting rate representing a data-transmission-rate differential, ifany, between the data transmission rate of the particular data packetand the data transmission rate of the transmitted data packet that lastcontained a differential correcting rate;

sensing when a difference occurs between the data transmission rate ofthe base station and the data transmission rate of the UE; and,

after such sensing, forwarding a request to a radio network controllerthat the data transmission rate of the base station and the datatransmission rate of the UE be reset to a common data transmission rate.And preferably, the method also includes the base station performing astep of:

receiving explicit signalling from the radio network controller forresetting the data transmission rate of the base station to a ratecorresponding to the transmission rate of the UE.

The fourth aspect of the subject invention also includes a methodperformed by a UE for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the UE and a base station, the methodincluding, during each period of transmission of a defined set of datapackets to the UE, the steps of:

receiving from the base station, in each one or only some of the definedset of data packets, a differential correcting rate, each differentialcorrecting rate representing a data-transmission-rate differential, ifany, between the data transmission rate of the particular data packetand the date transmission rate of the transmitted data packet that lastcontained a differential correcting rate;

sensing when a difference occurs between the data transmission rate ofthe base station and the data transmission rate of the UE; and,

after such sensing, forwarding a request to a radio network controllerthat the data transmission rate of the base station and the datatransmission rate of the UE be reset to a common data transmission rate.And preferably, the method further includes the UE performing a step of:

receiving explicit signalling from the radio network controller forresetting the data transmission rate of the UE to a rate correspondingto the transmission rate of the base station.

According to a fifth general aspect, the invention provides a method formaintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate between aUE and a base station, the method comprising filtering receiveddifferential rate correction information to de-emphasize earlierdifferential rate correction information with respect to laterdifferential rate correction information.

A fifth specific aspect of the subject invention is a method formaintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate between aUE and a base station, the method including the steps of:

updating a data transmission rate of the base station each time a raterequest signal is received from the UE, and updating the datatransmission rate of the UE each time a rate control signal is receivedfrom the base station, each updating step being according to thefollowing updating expression:R(i+1)=R(i)+d(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R(i))where:

“i+1” is the current period;

“i” is the preceding period;

“R” is the data transmission rate in the particular period for therespective base station or UE;

“d” is a differential correcting rate that the respective base stationor UE decides upon at each period using-information in the signalreceived from the other;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE;and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE.

Preferably, the transmission to the base station and to the UE of thereference rate R_(ref) and the convergence coefficient r is by a radionetwork controller in a system that includes the controller, the basestation and the UE.

The fifth aspect of the subject invention includes a method performed bya base station for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the base station and a UE, the methodincluding the step of:

updating a data transmission rate of the base station each time a raterequest signal is received from the UE, the updating step beingaccording to the following updating expression:R ^(nb)(i+1)=R ^(nb)(i)+d ^(nb)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(nb)(i))where:

“i+1” is the current period;

“i” is the preceding period;

“R^(nb)” is the data transmission rate in the particular period updatedby the base station;

“d^(nb)” is a differential correcting rate that the base station decidesupon at each period using a rate request signal is received from the UE;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE;and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE.

The fifth aspect of the subject invention also includes a methodperformed by a UE for maintaining closed-loop control of a datacommunication rate between the base station and a UE, the methodincluding the step of:

updating a data transmission rate of the UE each time a rate commandsignal is received from the base station, the updating step beingaccording to the following updating expression:R ^(ue)(i+1)=R ^(ue)(i)+d ^(ue)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(ue)(i))where:

“i+1” is the current period;

“i” is the preceding period;

“R^(ue)” is the data transmission rate in the particular period for theUE;

“d^(ue)” is a differential correcting rate detected by the UE;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE;and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value initially transmitted to both the base station and the UE.

Preferably, each of the first to fifth aspects of the invention includeadditional steps for determining, for the base station and for the UE, arespective initial power offset value and a respective minimumrepetition factor at establishment of a radio link between the basestation and the UE, the additional steps including:

determining a target Signal/Interference Ratio (tSIR_(r)), wheretSIR_(r) is a SIR for a date transmission rate that satisfies arespective target feedback error rate;

determining a tSIR_(d), which is the target SIR of a dedicated pilotsignal;

determining, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), a relationshipbetween power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors (REP_(r)),using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r));

selecting the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) as that power offsetvalue that corresponds to a minimum value (REP_(r)(0)) for therepetition factor (REP_(r)); and,

transmitting, to the base station and UE at radio link establishment,the respective selected initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) and therespective corresponding minimum repetition factor REP_(r)(0).

A sixth aspect of the subject invention is a method for determining, foreach of a base station and a UE, a respective initial power offset valueand a respective minimum repetition factor at establishment of a radiolink between the base station and the UE, the method including the stepsof:

determining a target Signal/Interference Ratio (tSIR_(r)), wheretSIR_(r) is a SIR for a date transmission rate that satisfies arespective target feedback error rate;

determining a tSIR_(d), which is a target SIR of a dedicated pilotsignal;

determining, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), a relationshipbetween power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors (REP_(r)),using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r));

selecting the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) as that power offsetvalue that corresponds to a minimum value (REP_(r)(0)) for therepetition factor (REP_(r)); and,

-   -   transmitting, to the base station and the UE at radio link        establishment, the respective selected initial power offset        value PO_(r)(0) and the respective corresponding minimum        repetition factor REP_(r)(0).

Preferably, the target feedback error rate in the foregoing method isset distinctly for each rate control command as the target error rate ofRate Control, and is lower than that of Rate Request.

Preferably, the steps in the sixth aspect of the invention are performedby a radio network controller in a system that includes the controller,the base station and the UE.

The subject invention also includes a modification of any of theforegoing methods when the UE is involved in a soft handover from thebase station to a second base station. The modification of the methodsdiscussed above involves the UE performing the following steps:

detecting R^(ue1) and R^(ue2) transmitting rates for the base stationand the second base station, respectively, based on R^(nb1) and R^(nb2)transmitting rates transmitted to the UE by the base station and thesecond base station, respectively;

calculating, based on R^(ue1) and R^(ue2), a composite R^(ue)transmitting rate; and,

transmitting R^(ue) to both the base station and the second basestation, so that the base station and the second base station can eachuse R^(ue) to create a respective new R^(nb1) and R^(nb2) transmissionrate to be transmitted to the UE.

The first aspect of the subject invention also includes an apparatus formaintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate between aUE and a base station, the apparatus including:

means for initially transmitting to both the base station and the UE,for establishment of the closed-loop control, a predetermined commonreset frequency and a predetermined common initial data transmissionrate; and,

means for periodically resetting the data transmission rate of the basestation and the data transmission rate of the UE to a reference datatransmission rate.

Preferably, the reference data transmission rate is equal to thepredetermined common initial data transmission rate.

Preferably, the apparatus is a radio network controller in a systemwhich includes the base station and the UE.

The second aspect of the subject invention also includes an apparatusfor maintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate betweena UE and a base station, the apparatus including:

means for storing, at the start of transmission of a defined set of datapackets, an initial data transmission rate;

means for encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, theinitial data transmission rate;

means for transmitting, in each data packet of the defined set, arespective differential correcting rate and a respective segment of theencoded initial data transmission rate;

means for storing, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rate;

means for calculating, for each data packet of the defined set, anupdated data transmission rate, the updated rate for a particular datapacket of the defined set being the differential correcting ratereceived in the particular data packet added to the updated rate fromthe previous data packet, the initial data transmission rate being usedas the initial one of the updated rates;

means for decoding, after all segments of the decoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate; and,

means for:

-   -   comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the        updated transmission rate; and,    -   if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,        correcting the data transmission rate by replacing the updated        transmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to        the decoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate        differential correcting rate equal to an aggregate of the        differential correcting rates of the defined set of data        packets, and if the transmission rates are equal, using the        updated transmission rate.

The second aspect of the subject invention further includes an apparatusfor maintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate betweena base station and a UE, the apparatus including:

means for storing, at the start of transmission of a defined set of datapackets, an initial data transmission rate;

means for encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, theinitial data transmission rate; and,

means for transmitting, in each data packet of the defined set, arespective differential correcting rate and a respective segment of theencoded initial data transmission rate.

Preferably, the apparatus is a base station of a system comprising thebase station and the UE.

The second aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a UE and a base station, the apparatus including:

means for receiving, in each data packet of a defined set, a respectivedifferential correcting rate and a respective segment of a encodedinitial data transmission rate;

means for storing, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rates;

means for calculating, for each data packet of the defined set, anupdated data transmission rate, the updated rate for a particular datapacket of the defined set being the differential correcting ratereceived in the particular data packet added to the updated rate fromthe previous data packet, the initial data transmission rate being usedas the initial one of the updated rates;

means for decoding, after all of the segments in the defined set of datapackets have been received, those segments to form a decoded initialdata transmission rate;

means for:

-   -   comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the        updated transmission rate; and,    -   if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,        correcting the data transmission rate by replacing the updated        transmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to        the decoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate        differential correcting rate equal to an aggregate of the        differential correcting rates of the defined set of data        packets, and if the transmission rates are equal, using the        updated transmission rate.

Preferably, the apparatus is a UE of a system comprising the UE and abase station.

The third aspect of the subject invention also includes an apparatus formaintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate between aUE and a base station, the apparatus including:

means for storing, at the start of transmission of a defined set of datapackets, an initial data transmission rate;

means for encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, theinitial data transmission rate;

means for transmitting, in every n^(th) data packet of the defined set,a respective segment of the encoded initial data transmission rate, andin the remaining data packets of the defined set a respectivedifferential correcting rate;

means for storing, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rate;

means for calculating, as each differential correcting rate is receivedan updated data transmission rate, the updated rate being the sum of theprevious updated rate and the respective received differentialcorrecting rate, the initial data transmission rate being used as theinitial updated rate;

means for decoding, after all segments of the encoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate; and,

means for:

-   -   comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the        updated transmission rate; and,    -   if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,        correcting the data transmission rate by replacing the updated        transmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to        the decoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate        differential correcting rate equal to an aggregate of the        differential correcting rates of the defined set of data        packets, and if the transmission rates are equal, using the        updated transmission rate.

The third aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a base station and a UE, the apparatus including:

means for storing, at the start of transmission of a defined set of datapackets, an initial data transmission rate;

means for encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, theinitial data transmission rate; and,

means for transmitting, in every n^(th) data packet of the defined set,a respective segment of the encoded initial data transmission rate, andin the remaining data packets of the defined set a respectivedifferential correcting rate.

Preferably, the apparatus is a base station of a system including thebase station and a UE.

The third aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a UE and a base station, the apparatus including:

means for receiving, in every n^(th) data packet of the defined set, arespective segment of an encoded initial data transmission rate, and inthe remaining data packets of the defined set a respective differentialcorrecting rate;

means for storing, as each data packet is received, the respectivedifferential correcting rate and the respective segment of the encodedinitial data transmission rates;

means for calculating, for each data packet of the defined set, anupdated data transmission rate, the updated rate for a particular datapacket of the defined set being the differential correcting ratereceived in the particular data packet added to the updated rate fromthe previous data packet, the initial data transmission rate being usedas the initial one of the updated rates;

means for decoding, after all segments of the encoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate; and,

means for:

-   -   comparing the decoded initial data transmission rate with the        updated transmission rate; and,    -   if the transmission rates are not equal in the comparing step,        correcting the data transmission rate by replacing the updated        transmission rate by a transmission rate obtained by adding to        the decoded initial data transmission rate an aggregate        differential correcting rate equal to an aggregate of the        differential correcting rates of the defined set of data        packets, and if the transmission rates are equal, using the        updated transmission rate.

Preferably, the apparatus is a UE of a system including the UE and abase station.

Every n^(th) data packet of the defined set may be every second datapacket of the defined set. Alternatively, every n^(th) data packet ofthe defined set is every third data packet of the defined set.

Each segment of the encoded initial data transmission rate may be asingle data bit.

The fourth aspect of the subject invention also includes an apparatusfor maintaining closed-loop control of a data communication rate betweena UE and a base station, the apparatus including:

(a) means for transmitting from the base station to the UE, in each oneor only some of a defined set of data packets, a differential correctingrate, each differential correcting rate representing adata-transmission-rate differential, if any, between the datatransmission rate of the particular data packet and the datetransmission rate of the transmitted data packet that last contained adifferential correcting rate;

(b) means for sensing when a difference occurs between the datatransmission rate of the base station and the data transmission rate ofthe UE, and for forwarding, after such sensing, a request that the datatransmission rate of the base station and the data transmission rate ofthe UE be reset to a common data transmission rate; and,

(c) means for transmitting to the base station and/or the UE, explicitsignalling for resetting the data transmission rate of the base stationand/or the data transmission rate of the UE such that the base stationand the UE again have a common data transmission rate.

The apparatus may be a system including the base station, the UE and aradio network controller, and wherein the transmitting means (a) isincluded in the base station, the sensing/forwarding means (b) isincluded in the base station, and the transmitting means (c) is includedin the radio network controller. Alternatively, the apparatus may be asystem including the base station, the UE and a radio networkcontroller, and wherein the transmitting means (a) is included in thebase station, the sensing/forwarding means (b) is included in the UE,and the transmitting means (c) is included in the radio networkcontroller.

The fourth aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a base station and a UE, the apparatus being the basestation and including:

means for transmitting to the UE, in each one or only some of a definedset of data packets, a differential correcting rate, each differentialcorrecting rate representing a data-transmission-rate differential, ifany, between the data transmission rate of the particular data packetand the date transmission rate of the transmitted data packet that lastcontained a differential correcting rate; and,

means for sensing when a difference occurs between the data transmissionrate of the base station and the data transmission rate of the UE, andafter such sensing, forwarding a request to a radio network controllerthat the data transmission rate of the base station and the datatransmission rate of the UE be reset to a common data transmission rate.

Preferably, the immediately-preceding apparatus further includes meansfor receiving explicit signalling from the radio network controller forresetting the data transmission rate of the base station to a ratecorresponding to the transmission rate of the UE.

The fourth aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a UE and a base station, the apparatus being the UE andincluding:

means for receiving from the base station, in each one or only some of adefined set of data packets, a differential correcting rate, eachdifferential correcting rate representing a data-transmission-ratedifferential, if any, between the data transmission rate of theparticular data packet and the date transmission rate of the transmitteddata packet that last contained a differential correcting rate; and,

means for sensing when a difference occurs between the data transmissionrate of the base station and the data transmission rate of the UE, andafter such sensing, forwarding a request to a radio network controllerthat the data transmission rate of the base station and the datatransmission rate of the UE be reset to a common data transmission rate.

Preferably, the immediately-preceding apparatus further includes meansfor receiving explicit signalling from the radio network controller forresetting the data transmission rate of the UE to a rate correspondingto the transmission rate of the base station.

The fifth aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a UE and a base station, the apparatus including:

first means for updating a data transmission rate of the base stationeach time a rate request signal is received from the UE, and secondmeans for updating the data transmission rate of the UE each time a ratecontrol signal is received from the base station, each updating beingaccording to the following updating expression:R(i+1)=R(i)+d(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R(i))where:

“i+1” is a current period;

“i” is a preceding period;

“R” is the data transmission rate in a particular period for therespective base station or UE;

“d” is a differential correcting rate that the respective base stationor UE decides upon in each period using information in a signal receivedfrom the other;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value received initially by both the base station and the UE;and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value received initially by both the base station and the UE.

Preferably, the apparatus is a system that includes the base station,the UE and a radio network controller, wherein the first updating meansis included in the base station and the second updating means isincluded in the UE, and wherein the transmission to the base station andto the UE of the reference rate R_(ref) and the convergence coefficientr is by the radio network controller of the system.

The fifth aspect of the subject invention also further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a base station and a UE, the apparatus including:

means for updating a data transmission rate each time a rate requestsignal is received, the updating being according to the followingupdating expression:R ^(nb)(i+1)=R ^(nb)(i)+d ^(nb)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(nb)(i))where:

“i+1” is a current period;

“i” is a preceding period;

“R^(nb)” is the data transmission rate in a particular period updated bythe base station;

“d^(nb)” is a differential correcting rate decided upon in each periodusing a rate request signal received from the UE;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value received initially; and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value received initially.

Preferably, the apparatus is a base station of a system including thebase station, the UE and a radio network controller, and wherein thereference rate R_(ref) and the convergence coefficient r are receivedinitially from the radio network controller of the system.

The fifth aspect of the subject invention also still further includes anapparatus for maintaining closed-loop control of a data communicationrate between a base station and a UE, the apparatus including:

means for updating a data transmission rate each time a rate commandsignal is received, each updating being according to the followingupdating expression:R ^(ue)(i+1)=R ^(ue)(i)+d ^(ue)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(ue)(i))where:

“i+1” is a current period;

“i” is a preceding period;

“R^(ue)” is the data transmission rate in a particular period updated bythe UE;

“d^(ue)” is a differential correcting rate detected by the UE;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value received initially; and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value received initially.

Preferably, the apparatus is a UE of a system including the basestation, the UE and a radio network controller, and wherein thereference rate R_(ref) and the convergence coefficient r are receivedinitially from the radio network controller of the system.

Preferably, the apparatus in each of the first to fifth aspects of theinvention also includes means for determining, for the base station andfor the UE, a respective initial power offset value and a respectiveminimum repetition factor at establishment of a radio link between thebase station and the UE, the determining means including:

means for determining a target Signal/Interference Ratio (tSIR_(r)),where tSIR_(r) is a SIR for a date transmission rate that satisfies arespective target feedback error rate;

means for determining a tSIR_(d), which is the target SIR of a dedicatedpilot signal;

means for determining, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), arelationship between power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors(REP_(r)), using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r));

means for selecting the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) as thatpower offset value that corresponds to a minimum value (REP_(r)(0)) forthe repetition factor (REP_(r)); and,

means for transmitting, to the base station and the UE at radio linkestablishment, the respective selected initial power offset valuePO_(r)(0) and the respective corresponding minimum repetition factorREP_(r)(0).

The sixth aspect of the subject invention also includes an apparatus fordetermining, for each of a base station and a UE, a respective initialpower offset value and a respective minimum repetition factor atestablishment of a radio link between the base station and the UE, theapparatus including:

means for determining a target Signal/interference Ratio (tSIR_(r)),where tSIR_(r) is a SIR for a date transmission rate that satisfies arespective target feedback error rate;

means for determining a tSIR_(d), which is a target SIR of a dedicatedpilot signal;

means for determining, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), arelationship between power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors(REP_(r)), using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r));

means for selecting the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) as thatpower offset value that corresponds to a minimum value (REP_(r)(0)) forthe repetition factor (REP_(r)); and,

means for transmitting, to the base station and the UE at radio linkestablishment, the respective selected initial power offset valuePO_(r)(0) and the respective corresponding minimum repetition factorREP_(r)(0).

In the apparatus of the sixth aspect of the subject invention, thetarget feedback error rate is set distinctly for each rate controlcommand as the target Rate Control, and is lower than that of RateRequest. The apparatus may include a radio network controller in asystem that comprises the controller, the base station and the UE.

In the apparatus of any of the preceding aspects of the subjectinvention, the UE may further include:

means for detecting, after communication has been established with thebase station and during a transfer of the UE from the base station to asecond base station, transmitting rates R^(ue1) and R^(ue2) for the basestation and the second base station, respectively, based on R^(nb1) andR^(nb2) transmitting rates transmitted to the UE by the base station andthe second base station, respectively;

means for calculating, based on R^(ue1) and R^(ue2), a composite R^(ue)transmitting rate; and,

means for transmitting R^(ue) to both the base station and the secondbase station, so that the base station and the second base station caneach use R^(ue) to create a respective new R^(nb1) and R^(nb2)transmission rate to be transmitted to the UE.

The subject invention also includes a storage medium carrying a computerprogram for performing any of the previously-described methods. Methodaspects and their preferred features may be applied to apparatus aspectsand vice versa and all aspects may be provided as computer programs orcomputer program products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates the communication between a base system (node B) anda mobile phone (UE), the uplink transmission rate of the UE beingcontrolled by node B;

FIG. 2 illustrates the trade-offs involved in data transmission rates inW-CDMA;

FIG. 3 is a general schematic illustration of the closed-loopcommunication that occurs between the UE and node B;

FIG. 4 illustrates a general timing diagram of a closed-loop-based ratecontrol arrangement between the UE and node B;

FIG. 5 is similar to the timing diagram illustrated in FIG. 4, butillustrates the events occurring after the UE decides on an incorrectvalue for a rate control command sent from node B;

FIG. 6 illustrates the control timing involved with a conventionalsolution to correcting the error illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates the control timing involved with a first type ofsimultaneous signalling scheme of the subject invention;

FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in node B forexplaining the control timing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in UE for explainingthe control timing of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in node B forexplaining the control timing of a second type of simultaneoussignalling scheme of the subject invention;

FIG. 9B is a flowchart illustrating the procedure in UE for explainingthe control timing of a second type of simultaneous signalling scheme ofthe subject invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates the control timing involved with the second type ofsimultaneous signalling scheme;

FIG. 11 illustrates the control timing involved with a third type ofsimultaneous signalling scheme of the subject invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a slow-rate adjustment loop scheme of the subjectinvention, this scheme using exponential filtering at both node B andthe UE; and,

FIG. 13 illustrates the effect of a soft handover on the above-describedschemes of the subject invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an inner configuration of node B.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an inner configuration of the UE.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a communication system according tothe subject invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of a communication system accordingto the subject invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a radio network controlleraccording to the subject invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The key concept in a first solution to the problem mentioned above isperiodic reset-based synchronization. This involves the radio networkcontroller (RNC) signalling a reset frequency Q and a reference datatransmission rate R_(ref) to both node B and the UE at radio-linkestablishment, and then after closed-loop rate control is initiated,node B and the UE periodically reset R^(nb) and R^(ue), respectively, toR_(ref). The time reference-of periodic reset is the Connection FrameNumber (CFN) which is a common reference time between node B and the UEduring radio link connection.

The benefit of this scheme is its simplicity. Also, this method isuseful when the number of available uplink rates is small, although theperiodic resetting will interrupt the fast closed-loop rate control. Ifthe available uplink rate is large, significant jitter will cause severeinterruption of closed-loop rate control.

A second solution to the problem mentioned above involves three“simultaneous signalling” schemes, each of which will next be described.

The key concept in the first simultaneous signalling scheme is to havenode B inform the UE of the maximum data transmission rate that itwishes the UE to use after L frames, by sending to UE in each of the Lframes: (1) a respective portion of the maximum data transmission ratethat exists at the start of the L frames, and (2) a differentialcorrecting rate for the particular one of the L frames. The differentialcorrecting rate for a current frame is the difference that has occurredbetween the data transmission rates at node B between frames; thatdifference may be due to noise and/or a rate request change from the UE.The UE uses the transmitted portions of the transmission rate thatexisted at node B at the start of the L frames, and after the L framesare received, reconstructs that transmission rate, i.e. the rate at nodeB at the start of the L frames. Meanwhile, the UE has been maintaining arunning total of the differential correcting rates transmitted over theL frames, the total after the L frames being an aggregated correctingrate. Meanwhile, the UE has been updating its data transmission rateR^(ue) by adding the differential correcting rate after each frame tothe value from the previous frame, an updated transmission rate beingthereby determined after each frame. The UE then compares thereconstructed transmission rate to the updated transmission rate at theend of the L frames. If they are equal, the UE does not need to replacethe updated transmission rate; if they are not equal, the UE substitutesa new transmission rate for the updated transmission rate. The newtransmission rate is the total of the reconstructed transmission rateand the aggregated correcting rate.

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B illustrate this arrangement. FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate, for frame k, the node B procedure and the UE procedure,respectively. As shown, the differential correcting rate (d_(k)) sent inframe k in the node B procedure is equal to the difference that hasoccurred between frames in the uplink transmission rate at node B (dueto raised noise and any rate request change from the UE). Asynchronization occurs at the UE after transmission of the “k” frames.In FIG. 8B, “Update R^(ue)” is the updated uplink transmission rate inthe UE after frame k (updating occurs after each frame), “decR” is thereconstructed transmission rate in the UE after frame k (only performedat the end of k frames), and “AccDelta” is the aggregated correctingrate after frame k (if needed, only calculated at the end of k frames).In FIG. 7, the drifting of R^(ue) starts in frame k+3 (due to the “K”sent by node B in frame k+2 being received by the UE as a “U”), andresynchronization is only attained in frame k+6.

In node B, residue i (=k % L) is first calculated and compared with zeroat box 101 in FIG. 8A. Here, “k % L” represents a residue of division ofk by L. If i=0, then encR is set to encoded R^(nb) _(k), and encR isdivided to into L sub-blocks at box 102.

Next, q^(k) is sent on the downlink at box 103 where q^(k) is the i^(th)sub-block of encR. The uplink rate request which is received at k^(th)frame from a UE is decoded at box 104, and R^(nb) _(k+1) is determinedbased on the noise raise and the UE's rate request at box 105. Finally,d_(k), which is calculated by R^(nb) _(k+1)−R^(nb) _(k), is sent on thedownlink at box 107.

In the UE, the residue i is first calculated at box 111 in FIG. 8B,q_(k) is received from the downlink at box 112. The uplink rate requestis determined based on the data status and the transmission power marginat box 113 and is sent at box 114, and the downlink rate control d_(k)^(ue) is decoded at box 115. Next, i is compared with L−1 at box 116. IFi≠L−1, then R^(ue) is updated by R^(ue) _(k+1)=R^(ue) _(k)+d_(k) ^(ue)at box 117, and the procedure is completed. If i=L−1 at box 116, thedecR is set to decoding(encR^(nb)) at box 118, and R^(ue) _(k−L+1) iscompared with decR at box 119. If R^(ue) _(k−L+1)=decR then the controljumps to box 117 and otherwise the control transfers to box 119. In box119, AccDelta is set to d_(k−L+1) ^(ue)+d_(k−L+2) ^(ue)+ . . . +d_(k)^(ue) at box 120, and R^(ue) _(k+1) is updated by decR+AccDelta at box121 to complete the procedure.

This is a spectrally-efficient method compared to the conventionalsolution, transmitting a smaller redundancy bit (e.g. as little as 1 bitper frame when L is equal to the total number of encoded bits in thereconstructed transmission rate). Its elimination of threshold drift isslower than that in the conventional system, i.e. the synchronization ischecked only after each L frames.

The key concept in the second simultaneous signalling scheme is similarto that in the first simultaneous signalling scheme, but differs in that2 L frames are used instead of L frames, and each portion of the maximumdata transmission rate existing at the start of the 2 L frames istransmitted to the UE in every second frame, with each differentialcorrecting rate being transmitted in the intervening frames. FIGS. 9A,9B and 10 illustrate this arrangement. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate thenode B procedure and the UE procedure, respectively. The UE onlyforwards any rate request change every second frame in this scheme,since a response, i.e. a control command from node B in the form of adifferential correcting rate d^(nb) back to the UE, is only transmittedevery second frame rather than every frame. The intervening frames eachcontain a respective portion of the maximum data transmission rate thatexists at node B at the start of the 2 L frames. The node B procedure inFIG. 9A shows the two paths, one for the d_(k) values being transmittedin each second frame and the other for the q_(k) values beingtransmitted in the other frames. This procedure could be generalized,such that a respective portion of the maximum data transmission ratethat exists at node B at the start of 3*L frames is only included inevery third frame, with the other two frames of each three framescarrying a respective differential correcting rate.

In node B, residue k % (L*P) is first calculated and compared with zeroat box 122 in FIG. 9A. If k % (L*P)=0, then encR is set to encodedR^(nb) _(k), and encR is divided to into L sub-frames at box 123.

Next, remainder (k % p) is compared with zero at box 124. If (k % p)≠0,then the uplink rate request which is received at k^(th) frame from a UEis decoded at box 125, R^(nb) _(k+1) is determined based on the noiseraise and the UE's rate request at box 126, and d_(k), which iscalculated by R^(nb) _(k+1)−R^(nb) _(k), is sent on the downlink tocomplete the procedure at box 127. If (k % p)=0 at box 124, then i isset to (k/p) % L at box 128 and q^(k), which the i^(th) sub-block ofencR, is sent on the downlink to complete the procedure at box 129.

In the UE, the remainder (k % p) is compared with zero at box 131. If (k% p)=0, then i is set to (k/p) % L at box 132, q_(k) is received fromdownlink at box 133, and i is compared with L−1 at box 134. If i=L−1,then decR is set to decoding(encR^(nb)) at box 135, and cR^(ue) iscompared with decR at box 136. If cR^(ue)=decR, then the procedure iscompleted, ant otherwise R^(ue) is updated by R^(ue)_(k+1)=decR+AccDelta to complete the procedure at box 137.

If i≠L−1 at box 134, then i is compared with zero at box 138. If i≠0then the procedure is completed, and otherwise AccDelta is reset to zeroand cR^(0ue) is updated by R_(k) ^(ue) to complete the procedure at box139.

If (k % p)≠0 at box 131, then the uplink rate request is determinedbased on the data status and the transmission power margin at box 140,the uplink rate request is sent at box 141, the downlink rate controld_(k) ^(ue) is decoded at box 142, R^(ue) is updated by R^(ue)_(k+1)=R^(ue) _(k)+d_(k) ^(ue) at box 143, and AccDelta is updated byAccDelta+d_(k) ^(ue) to complete the procedure at box 144.

The key concept in the third simultaneous signalling scheme is to havenode B transmit to the UE frames with only the differential correctingrates, and when either node B or the UE subsequently notices that node Band the UE have fallen out of transmission-rate synchronization, for thenoticing party to contact the RNC, and for the RNC to then place node Band the UE back into synchronization by sending a correcting signal toone of them. Whereas node B transmits to the UE using layer 1signalling, the RNC transmits to node B or the UE using layer 3signalling. This scheme, which is termed “event-triggered-basedsignalling” is illustrated in FIG. 11.

With respect to “A” in FIG. 11, after receiving and encoding a datapacket from the UE, node B detects that the data transmission rates areout of synchronization. It reports this fact to the RNC and includesinformation on the current connection frame number (CFN) and its owntransmission rate. Node B stops updating R^(nb). To set a maximumwaiting time before it receives a response from the RNC, node B starts aT_(unsync) timer which increases by 1 every frame. If T_(unsync)expires, node B deletes the radio link. At “B” in FIG. 11 the RNC sendsthe UE a layer 3 packet to reset its R^(ue) at a value equal to R^(nb)(which value the RNC knows from node B). The exact timing of the resetis set by the UE. At “C,” the UE sends the RNC a layer 3 packet toacknowledge receipt and to inform the RNC of the timing of the reset ofR^(ue) to the R^(nb) value. The UE stops sending uplink data requests tonode B. At “D,” after receiving the UE's acknowledgment, the RNC informsnode B of the timing reset, CFN=k+d. Node B stops the timer T_(unsync),and then resets it. At “E,” synchronization is achieved between node Band the UE. Closed-loop rate control is thereby resumed.

Some examples of triggering events are: (1) node B detects that the UEis transmitting with a data rate that is higher than the maximum rate;(2) node B detects that that the UE is transmitting with a fixed datarate that is lower than the maximum rate over several consecutive framesof successful reception; and (3) the UE detects that the rate controlcommand received from node B is UP or DOWN when the UE's R^(ue) is at amaximum or minimum, respectively.

A third solution to the problem mentioned above involves a slow-rateadjustment loop, in which exponential filtering is applied to both ofthe differential control packets d^(nb) and due at node B and the UE,respectively. The concept involves gradually reducing the impact on pastfeedback error on the current maximum transmission rate R^(ue).

The third solution is discussed with reference to FIG. 12. As a firststep, the RNC signals a reference rate R^(ref) and a convergencecoefficient r to both node B and the UE. Subsequently, rate-controliteration is performed by repeating the following four steps:

(1) the UE calculates a rate request based on internal info and on thecurrent R^(ue) _(k) value;

(2) on receiving the UE request, node B controls the transmission ratebased on internal info and on R^(nb) _(k);

(3) after node B calculates d^(nb) _(k), node B updates its R^(nb) _(k)using the formula:R ^(nb) _(k)+1=R ^(nb) _(k) +d ^(nb) _(k)+(1−r)·(R _(ref) −R ^(nb)_(k));

(4) after receiving d^(ue) _(k), the UE updates its R^(ue) _(k) usingthe formula:R ^(ue) _(k+1) =R ^(ue) _(k) +d ^(ue) _(k)+(1−r)·(R _(ref) −R ^(ue)_(k));

If the adjustment formula is rewritten in a non-recursive way as:R ^(ue) _(k+1) =R ^(ref) +r ^(k)·(R ^(ue) ₁ −R ^(ref))+[r ^(k−1) ·d^(ue) ₁ + . . . +r ¹ ·d ^(ue) _(k−1) r ⁰ ·d ^(ue) _(k)],where the R^(ue) _(k+1) becomes a function of initial rate R^(ue) ₁, thereference rate R^(ref) and the sequence of detected rate-controlcommands d^(ue) _(k). From this expression, R^(ue) _(k+1) is shown to bedominantly controlled by the most recent rate-control commands due toexponential weighting. For example, [d^(ue) ₁, d^(ue) ₂, . . . , d^(ue)_(k−N)], where r^(k−N)=<0.1, has only a marginal influence on R^(ue)_(k+1). Therefore, the influence of an error in d^(ue) _(k) will begradually reduced as time progresses, so that the slow synchronizationof R^(ue) _(k) toward R^(nb) _(k) is achieved.

The adjustment loop should always be employed at both node B and the UEsimultaneously. Otherwise, R^(ue) and R^(nb) will drift from each othereven without feedback error. Note that the adjustment loop does notimpose any restriction on the actual rate-control algorithm. In theabove equations, R^(ref) is the center of the control range of R^(ue).Even with the adjustment loop, the probability of drifting cannot becomezero. Therefore, the UE could occasionally send a data packet at a ratehigher than the allowed level. However, even in such case, the impact onuplink noise raising will be small. Also note that no layer 1 overheadbit is required, indicating spectral efficiency. The correction of theadjustment loop should be accumulated if the rate control step size isdiscrete, i.e. +1/−1.

A fourth generalized solution applying to the problem mentioned above isa scheme involving adjustment of power offset with repetition to reducesignalling error rate. This scheme may be applied independently of thefirst, second and third solutions discussed above, or may be inconjunction with one of those solutions.

The key concept in the fourth solution is that the RNC sends to bothnode B and the UE an initial power offset value and repetition value toreduce signalling error rate. Downlink is more critical than uplink, andthe unbalanced bit energy setting is spectrally efficient in such a waythat the downlink target error rate (DTER) is lower than the uplinktarget error rate (UTER).

The RNC sends to both node B and the UE a respective initial poweroffset value and a respective repetition factor at radio linkestablishment. The respective initial power offset value corresponds tothe power offset value that corresponds to the minimum repetitionfactor, using the following equation for node B:tSIR_(rc)=tSIR_(dp)+PO_(rc)(0)+10*log₁₀(REP_(rr)(0)),where:

tSIR_(rc) is the target SIR (signal/interference ratio) for a raterequest satisfying UTER;

tSIR_(dp) is the target SIR of the dedicated pilot;

PO_(rc)(0) is the initial power offset value to be sent by the RNC tonode B; and,

REP_(rc)(0) is the minimum repetition factor that is to be sent by theRNC to node B and the UE;

and using the following equation for the UE:tSIR_(rr)=tSIR_(dp)+PO_(rr)(0)+10*log₁(RBP _(rr)(0)),where:

tSIR_(rr) is the target SIR (signal/interference ratio) for a responsecommand satisfying DTER;

tSIR_(dp) is the target SIR of the dedicated pilot signal for node B andthe UE;

PO_(rr)(0) is the initial power offset value to be sent by the RNC tothe UE; and,

REP_(rr)(0) is the minimum repetition factor that is to be sent by theRNC to node B and the UE.

The method involved with determining the initial power offset value andthe corresponding minimum repetition factor for each of node B and theUE includes the following steps. Firstly, a target Signal/InterferenceRatio (tSIR_(r)) is determined, where tSIR_(r) is a SIR that satisfies arespective target feedback error rate. Next, a tSIR_(d) is determined,which is a target SIR of a dedicated pilot signal between node B and theUE. Next, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), a relationshipbetween power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors (REP_(r)) isdetermined, using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r)).

Next, the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0) is selected as that poweroffset value that corresponds to a minimum value (REP_(r)(0)) for therepetition factor (REP_(r)). Then, at radio link establishment, theselected initial power offset value PO_(r)(o) and the correspondingminimum repetition factor REP_(r)(0) for the base station aretransmitted to the base station, and the respective values for themobile phone are transmitted to the mobile phone. The radio networkcontroller (RNC) performs all the steps in this procedure.

With respect to the capacity of an existing network, a high repetitionfactor and low power offset can ensure capacity of the existing networkbut it results in a slow adaptation to a change in requirements. DTERfor a DOWN/UP command can be distinctively settSIR_(rc)(DOWN)>tSIR_(rc)(UP), which can steer the direction of randomwalk.

A further feature of the subject invention involves the handling of softhandovers. This will be discussed with respect to FIG. 13.

Assume that the UE is communicating with two node B's in a soft handoversituation. The process begins with the step of each active node Bsending differential signals for Up/Down/Keep independently, i.e. thereare two differential signals d^(ue1) and d^(ue2). Upon receivingdownlink differential signals, the UE updates its allowed rate for eachnode B, i.e. (1) R^(ue1) _(k+1)=R^(ue1) _(k)+d^(ue1), and (2) R^(ue2)_(k+1)=R^(ue2) _(k)+d^(ue2). The UE controls the rate based on theallowed rate for each cell (each of which has a node B), resulting inR^(ue) _(k+1)=func(R^(ue1) _(k+1), R^(ue2) _(k+1)). If the UE wishes toincrease/decrease R^(ue), it sends q^(ue) _(k+1) to both node B's. Thetwo node B's receive the rate request and select a new rate R^(nb1)_(k+1)=R^(nb1) _(k)+d^(nb1) _(k). The process proceeds with a continuingrepetition of the foregoing steps.

Note that the UE has to maintain three maximum rates, i.e. R^(ue),R^(ue1) and R^(ue2). Drifting is possible between R^(nb1) and R^(ue1),and also between R^(nb2) and R^(ue2). Simultaneous signalling (asdiscussed previously) can be applied to each maximum rate so that eachactive node B transmits both explicit and differential signallingindependently of the other. The UE then performs the synchronizationprocedure for each cell. In the case of the adjustment loop (asdiscussed previously), a separate adjustment loop is employed for eachcell. In FIG. 13, the two node B's are designated as node B1 and nodeB2, and the UE Rate Control produces a rate based on the respectivesensed inputs d^(ue1) and d^(ue2)

While the present invention has been described in its preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been usedare words of description rather than limitation, and that changes may bemade to the invention without departing from its scope as defined by theappended claims.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (which term includes theclaims) and/or shown in the drawings may be incorporated in theinvention independently of other disclosed and/or illustrated features.

Next, an example of inner configuration of each of node B (i.e., a basestation) and the UE (i.e., a mobile phone) will be described.

Node B illustrated in FIG. 14 is arranged to maintain closed-loopcontrol of a data communication rate between node B and the UE. Node Bincludes: storage unit 11 for storing, at the start of transmission of adefined set of data packets, an initial data transmission rate; encoder12 for encoding, at the start of transmission of the defined set, theinitial data transmission rate; and transmitter 13 for transmitting, ineach data packet of the defined set, a respective differentialcorrecting rate and a respective segment of the encoded initial datatransmission rate.

The UE illustrated in FIG. 15 is used in combination with node Billustrated in FIG. 14. The UE includes: receiver 21 for receiving, ineach data packet of a defined set, a respective differential correctingrate and a respective segment of an encoded initial data transmissionrate; storage unit 22 for storing, as each data packet is received, therespective differential correcting rate and the respective segment ofthe encoded initial data transmission rates; calculation unit 23 forcalculating, for each data packet of the defined set, an updated datatransmission rate, the updated rate for a particular data packet of thedefined set being the differential correcting rate received in theparticular data packet added to the updated rate from the previous datapacket, the initial data transmission rate being used as the initial oneof the updated rates; decoder 24 for decoding, after all of the segmentsin the defined set of data packets have been received, those segments toform a decoded initial data transmission rate; and comparison unit 25.Comparison unit 25 is provided for comparing the decoded initial datatransmission rate with the updated transmission rate, and, if thetransmission rates are not equal in the comparison, correcting the datatransmission rate by replacing the updated transmission rate by atransmission rate obtained by adding to the decoded initial datatransmission rate an aggregate differential correcting rate equal to anaggregate of the differential correcting rates of the defined set ofdata packets, and if the transmission rates are equal, using the updatedtransmission rate.

In another example, transmitter 13 transmits, in every n^(th) datapacket of the defined set, a respective segment of the encoded initialdata transmission rate, and in the remaining data packets of the definedset a respective differential correcting rate; receiver 21 receives, inevery n^(th) data packet of a defined set, a respective segment of anencoded initial data transmission rate, and in the remaining datapackets of the defined set a respective differential correcting rate;and decoder 24 decodes, after all segments of the encoded initial datatransmission rate in the defined set of data packets have been received,those segments to form a decoded initial data transmission rate. In thisexample, every n^(th) data packet of the defined set may be every seconddata packet or every third data packet of the defined set. Each segmentof the encoded initial data transmission rate may be a single data bit.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a communication system according tothe present invention. System 100 includes base station 30, mobile phone40 and radio network controller (RNC) 50. In this system, closed-loopcontrol of a data communication rate between base station 30 and mobilephone 40 is maintained.

Base station 30 includes: transmitter 31 for transmitting to mobilephone 40, in each one or only some of a defined set of data packets, adifferential correcting rate, each differential correcting raterepresenting a data-transmission-rate differential, if any, between thedata transmission rate of the particular data packet and the datetransmission rate of the transmitted data packet that last contained adifferential correcting rate; sensing unit 32 for sensing when adifference occurs between the data transmission rate of base station 30and the data transmission rate of mobile phone 40, and after suchsensing, forwarding a request to radio network controller 50 that thedata transmission rate of base station 30 and the data transmission rateof mobile phone 40 be reset to a common data transmission rate; andsignalling unit 33 for receiving explicit signalling from radio networkcontroller 50 for resetting the data transmission rate of base station30 to a rate corresponding to the transmission rate of the mobile phone40.

Mobile phone 40 includes: receiver 41 for receiving from base station30, in each one or only some of a defined set of data packets, adifferential correcting rate, each differential correcting raterepresenting a data-transmission-rate differential, if any, between thedata transmission rate of the particular data packet and the datetransmission rate of the transmitted data packet that last contained adifferential correcting rate; sensing unit 42 for sensing when adifference occurs between the data transmission rate of base station 30and the data transmission rate of mobile phone 40, and after suchsensing, forwarding a request to radio network controller 50 that thedata transmission rate of base station 30 and the data transmission rateof mobile phone 40 be reset to a common data transmission rate; andsignalling unit 43 for receiving explicit signalling from radio networkcontroller 50 for resetting the data transmission rate of mobile phone40 to a rate corresponding to the transmission rate of base station 40.

Radio network controller 50 includes transmitter 51 for transmitting tobase station 30 and/or mobile phone 40, explicit signalling forresetting the data transmission rate of base station 30 and/or the datatransmission rate of mobile phone 40 such that base station 30 andmobile phone 40 again have a common data transmission rate.

In this example, one of sensing units 32 and 42 may be eliminated andone of signalling units 33 and 43 may be eliminated.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, base station 30 and mobile phone 40further includes updating units 34 and 44, respectively. Updating unit34 updates a data transmission rate of base station 30 each time a raterequest signal is received, the updating being according to thefollowing updating expression:R ^(nb)(i+1)=R ^(nb)(i)+d ^(nb)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(nb)(i))where:

“i+1” is a current period;

“i” is a preceding period;

“R^(nb)” is the data transmission rate in a particular period updated bythe base station;

“d^(nb)” is a differential correcting rate decided upon in each periodusing a rate request signal received from the mobile phone;

“R_(ref)” is a reference rate for data transmission, the reference ratebeing a value received initially; and,

“r” is a convergence coefficient for data transmission, the coefficientbeing a value received initially.

Similarly, updating unit 44 updates a data transmission rate of mobilephone 40 each time a rate command signal is received, each updatingbeing according to the following updating expression:R ^(ue)(i+1)=R ^(ue)(i)+d ^(ue)(i)+(1−r)(R _(ref) −R ^(ue)(i))where:

“R^(ue)” is the data transmission rate in a particular period updated bythe mobile phone;

“d^(ue)” is a differential correcting rate detected by the mobile phone.

In this example, the reference rate R_(ref) and the convergencecoefficient r are received at base station 30 and mobile phone 40initially from radio network controller 50 of the system.

As shown in FIG. 18, radio network controller 50 may further includesdetermining unit 52 for determining, for each of base station 30 andmobile phone 40, a respective initial power offset value and arespective minimum repetition factor at establishment of a radio linkbetween base station 30 and mobile phone 40. The determining unit 52 mayincludes first SIR unit 53 for determining a target Signal/InterferenceRatio (tSIR_(r)), where tSIR_(r) is a SIR (Signal/interference Ratio)for a date transmission rate that satisfies a respective target feedbackerror rate; second SIR unit 54 for determining a tSIR_(d), which is thetarget SIR of a dedicated pilot signal; calculating unit 55 fordetermining, using the determined tSIR_(r) and tSIR_(d), a relationshipbetween power offset values (PO_(r)) and repetition factors (REP_(r)),using the following formula:PO_(r)=tSIR_(r)−tSIR_(d)−10*log₁₀(REP_(r));selecting unit 56 for selecting the initial power offset value PO_(r)(0)as that power offset value that corresponds to a minimum value(REP_(r)(0)) for the repetition factor (REP_(r)); and, transmitting unit57 for transmitting, to the base station and the mobile phone at radiolink establishment, the respective selected initial power offset valuePO_(r)(0) and the respective corresponding minimum repetition factorREP_(r)(0).

The text of the abstract filed herewith is repeated here as part of thespecification.

Base station control the transmission rate that is used by mobile phonesto forward them information. A mobile phone periodically forwards a raterequest to a base station if the mobile phone needs to have its datatransmission rate to the base station increased or decreased, and thebase station responds with a rate command. An error can occur in thetransmission of the rate command, such that a rate R^(nb) transmitted bythe base station and detected by the mobile phone as R^(ue) may notmatch. Various schemes are proposed for reducing and correcting suchtransmission errors. A first scheme involves periodically resetting thetransmission rate of the base station and mobile phone with a referencerate. Second to fourth schemes involve periodically comparing thetransmission rates of the base station and mobile phone, and replacingthe rate of the mobile phone if they differ. A fifth scheme involves afiltering of the feedback command in order to reduce the impact of errorpropagation. A sixth scheme, which may be used separately or inconjunction with any of the foregoing schemes, involves adjusting apower offset with a repetition factor. All of the schemes are modifiedduring a soft handover of the mobile phone from the base station to anew base station.

1. User equipment in a communication system comprising a base station,the user equipment comprising: a receiver which receives, from the basestation, a rate control command to up, down or keep a maximumtransmission rate of the user equipment and receives, from the basestation, absolute information by which the maximum transmission rate ofthe user equipment is determined, wherein the absolute information istransmitted in parallel with the rate control command over differentchannels; and wherein an initial maximum transmission rate is set in theuser equipment prior to receiving the rate control command or absoluteinformation.
 2. The user equipment according to claim 1, furthercomprising a unit which determines the maximum transmission rate byusing the rate control command if the receiver does not receive theabsolute information for a certain frame.
 3. The user equipmentaccording to claim 2, wherein the unit determines the maximumtransmission rate by using the absolute information if the receiverreceives the absolute information for the certain frame.
 4. The userequipment according to claim 1, wherein the receiver receives the ratecontrol command at a first predetermined interval.
 5. The user equipmentaccording to claim 1, wherein the receiver receives the rate controlcommand more frequently than the absolute information.
 6. A base stationin a communication system comprising user equipment, the base stationcomprising: a transmitter which transmits, to the user equipment, a ratecontrol command to up, down or keep a maximum transmission rate of theuser equipment and transmits, to the user equipment, absoluteinformation by which the maximum transmission rate of the user equipmentis determined, wherein the absolute information is transmitted inparallel with the rate control command over different channels; andwherein an initial maximum transmission rate is set in the userequipment prior to receiving the rate control command or absoluteinformation.
 7. The base station according to claim 6, wherein themaximum transmission rate is determined by using the rate controlcommand by the user equipment that does not receive the absoluteinformation for a certain frame.
 8. The base station according to claim7, wherein the maximum transmission rate is determined by using theabsolute information by the user equipment that receives the absoluteinformation for the certain frame.
 9. The base station according toclaim 6, wherein the transmitter transmits the rate control command at afirst predetermined interval.
 10. The base station according to claim 6,wherein the transmitter transmits the rate control command morefrequently than the absolute information.
 11. A communication systemcomprising: user equipment; and a base station, wherein the userequipment comprising a receiver which receives, from the base station, arate control command to up, down or keep a maximum transmission rate ofthe user equipment and receives, from the base station, absoluteinformation by which the maximum transmission rate of the user equipmentis determined and the base station comprising a transmitter whichtransmits the rate control command and the absolute information to theuser equipment, and wherein the absolute information is transmitted inparallel with the rate control command over different channels; andwherein an initial maximum transmission rate is set in the userequipment prior to receiving the rate control command or absoluteinformation.
 12. The communication system according to claim 11, whereinthe maximum transmission rate is determined by using the rate controlcommand by the user equipment that does not receive the absoluteinformation for a certain frame.
 13. The communication system accordingto claim 12, wherein the maximum transmission rate is determined byusing the absolute information by the user equipment that receives theabsolute information for the certain frame.
 14. The communication systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the receiver receives the rate controlcommand at a first predetermined interval.
 15. The communication systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the receiver receives the rate controlcommand more frequently than the absolute information.
 16. A method fora communication system comprising a base station and user equipment, themethod comprising: receiving, at the user equipment, a rate controlcommand to up, down or keep a maximum transmission rate of the userequipment from the base station; and receiving, at the user equipment,absolute information by which the maximum transmission rate of the userequipment is determined, from the base station, wherein the absoluteinformation is transmitted in parallel with the rate control commandover different channels; and wherein an initial maximum transmissionrate is set in the user equipment prior to receiving the rate controlcommand or absolute information.
 17. The method according to claim 16,further comprising: transmitting, at the base station, the rate controlcommand to the user equipment; and transmitting, at the base station,the absolute information to the user equipment.
 18. The method accordingto claim 16, wherein the user equipment determines the maximumtransmission rate by using the rate control command if the userequipment does not receive the absolute information for a certain frame.19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the user equipmentdetermines the maximum transmission rate by using the absoluteinformation if the user equipment receives the absolute information forthe certain frame.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein theuser equipment receives the rate control command at a firstpredetermined interval.
 21. The method according to claim 16, whereinthe user equipment receives the rate control command more frequentlythan the absolute information.
 22. User equipment in a communicationsystem comprising a base station, the user equipment comprising: firstmeans for receiving, from the base station, a rate control command toup, down or keep a maximum transmission rate of the user equipment; andsecond means for receiving, from the base station, by which the maximumtransmission rate of the user equipment is determined, wherein theabsolute information is transmitted in parallel with the rate controlcommand over different channels; and wherein an initial maximumtransmission rate is set in the user equipment prior to receiving therate control command or absolute information.
 23. A base station in acommunication system comprising user equipment, the base stationcomprising: first means for transmitting, to the user equipment, a ratecontrol command to up, down or keep a maximum transmission rate of theuser equipment; and second means for transmitting, to the userequipment, absolute information by which the maximum transmission rateof the user equipment is determined, wherein the absolute information istransmitted in parallel with the rate control command over differentchannels; and wherein an initial maximum transmission rate is set in theuser equipment prior to receiving the rate control command or absoluteinformation.
 24. A communication system comprising: user equipment; anda base station, wherein the user equipment comprising first means forreceiving, from the base station, a rate control command to up, down orkeep a maximum transmission rate of the user equipment, and second meansfor receiving, from the base station, absolute information by which themaximum transmission rate of the user equipment is determined and thebase station comprising third means for transmitting the rate controlcommand to the user equipment and fourth means for transmitting theabsolute information to the user equipment, and wherein the absoluteinformation is transmitted in parallel with the rate control commandover different channels; and wherein an initial maximum transmissionrate is set in the user equipment prior to receiving the rate controlcommand or absolute information.
 25. The user equipment according toclaim 1, wherein the receiver receives the absolute information at asecond predetermined interval.
 26. The base station according to claim6, wherein the transmitter transmits the absolute information at asecond predetermined interval.
 27. The communication system according toclaim 11, wherein the receiver receives the absolute information at asecond predetermined interval.
 28. The user equipment according to claim1, wherein the receiver receives the rate control command and theabsolute information multiple times, respectively, within a period oftime to control the maximum transmission rate of the user equipment. 29.The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the maximumtransmission rate of the user equipment is the highest data transmissionrate allowed for the user equipment by the base station.
 30. The userequipment according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment transmitsdata at a rate lower than the maximum transmission rate.
 31. The userequipment according to claim 4, wherein the first predetermined intervalis set by the base station.
 32. The user equipment according to claim 1,wherein only the base station has the authority to control the maximumtransmission rate of the user equipment.